Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba's AliExpress has come under fire again, this time after being embroiled in a controversy over sexually explicit content, following an issue with counterfeit products. There are growing concerns that the platform's unmoderated search terms, ads and images are creating a toxic environment for South Korean youth.
On February 26th, according to the retail industry, Mr. A, an office worker, installed the Ali Express app at the recommendation of a colleague who said the products were cheap. While searching for products, Ms. A was surprised to find recommended search terms such as “prostitute costume,'' “female full body doll,'' and “desire dress.'' Mr. A was concerned that his elementary school-aged children might encounter such content while using his cell phone, so he immediately deleted the app.
For example, if you search for “underwear,” you'll see a lot of products for adults, rather than regular everyday underwear. Some items contain images or videos that are explicitly suggestive to viewers. This content is accessible to anyone through the AliExpress app or website, with no membership required.
Many advertisements for unidentified products suspected of being aphrodisiacs have also surfaced. The product description claims that it was developed for women and promotes increased sexual desire with no side effects after consumption. These products can be purchased without adult verification. Even though it is a drug that directly affects the body, it is difficult to find ingredient information.
Advertising, selling, and distributing these products is clearly a violation of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. An official from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety pointed out, “Regardless of whether an aphrodisiac is real or fake, advertising that it has such effects is itself illegal.''
It has also been pointed out that laser pointers, which are designated as items harmful to minors under the Youth Protection Act, are being sold without being restricted to those 19 years or older. Laser pointers can cause vision damage and burns if used indiscriminately.
When purchasing similar products at online shopping malls in Japan, adult verification procedures are required. Amid the recent controversy surrounding the use of laser pointers to harm pets, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has decided to step up inspections of products sold online.
Industry stakeholders are calling on AliExpress to significantly increase its oversight of sellers and products in accordance with domestic law.
